STUDENT PREFERENCES VS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN ONLINE AND FACE TO FACE LEARNING IN BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES: PERCEPTION VS REALITY
Main Article Content
Keywords
Online learning, Face-to-face teaching, Student perception, Academic performance, Dental education
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid transition from traditional classroom teaching to online learning, profoundly impacting medical and dental education. This shift raised concerns regarding its effectiveness compared to conventional face-to-face modalities.
Objective: To compare student perceptions of online versus face-to-face teaching and to evaluate their academic performance under both modalities.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 preclinical BDS students. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire assessing preferences, satisfaction, and challenges related to online learning. Academic performance was compared using results from two consecutive terms: the first taught online during the pandemic and the second delivered on campus. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23, with Chi-square tests applied; a p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: A significant association was observed between academic performance and teaching modality (p = 0.012). The pass rate was higher among students taught face-to-face (9.2%) compared to those taught online (3.4%). Questionnaire responses revealed that most students preferred traditional on-campus classes, citing teacher presence, structured interaction, and reduced distractions as key benefits. Online classes were perceived as less personalized and more challenging in terms of engagement.
Conclusion: Face-to-face teaching was found to be more effective in terms of both student performance and satisfaction. While online learning offers flexibility, its limitations necessitate careful integration. A blended approach may provide the most balanced and sustainable model for future dental education.
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Irum Rehman
Professor & Head of Department, Department of Physiology, Margalla Institute of Health Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Ayesha Naveed
Associate Professor Medical Education, CMH Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
Farheen Masood
Professor & Head of Department of Anatomy, Bahria University College of Medicine Islamabad, Pakistan
Shaista Ali
Professor & Head of Department of Anatomy, Margalla Institute of Health Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Amna Bilal
MPhil PG Trainee (Biochemistry), Department of Biochemistry, Islamic International Medical College, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Muhammad Imran Bajwa
Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Margalla College of Dentistry (MIHS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan